A REGGAE band from Droitwich were given the chance recently to perform at an event organised by the family of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley, and ice-cream manufacturer Ben and Jerry’s.

Nestah from Droitwich Spa, were one of only five acts from across the UK chosen to perform on stage with BBC DJ Sir David Rodigan who first premiered ‘Could you be Loved’ on the radio.

The band, which is made up of a group of old friends, has a distinct reggae influence, and features Katy Bourne on lead vocals, Ben Vickers on lead guitar and vocals, Matthew Todd on bass and Chris Reece on drums. They competed against hundreds of other bands from across the UK to win a place on the stage, where they were asked to play their own take on one of the tracks from Bob Marley’s ‘Legend’ album, as part of a promotion for the new Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream flavour ‘Satisfy My Bowl’ which was created in honour of the singer.

The ice-cream flavour, a combination of banana ice cream with caramel and cookie swirls, and chocolatey peace signs, is also following Bob Marley’s work as an activist, by sending proceeds from its sales to the 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment to empower young people in Jamaica.

Ed Shepherd, Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission Manager, said: “In the same way Ben & Jerry’s stands for more than just ice-cream, Bob Marley stood for more than just music – he advocated for social change and inspired millions to think about peace, love, and equality. Ben & Jerry’s has a rich heritage of campaigning for social justice, by partnering with the Marley family’s 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment we want to lend our voice to Bob’s vision, and do this in a fun way that brings people together.”